Are you a gardener? One of my favorite things to do is watch my neighbors and others till their gardens. The aroma of freshly turned dirt combined with the prospect of new growth is exciting. At least I think so. You might not notice when the tilling happens, or as the first sprouts peek their green through the brown dirt to reach towards the sun because in the beginning, they are only visible if you are close. After a few hot days, rainy nights, and tender loving care by their gardener...abundant life burst forth.
Some of my favorite memories as a child were working in the garden, shop, or outside with my Dad. It's probably one reason I enjoy being outside to pray, write, and prepare for upcoming events. In addition to the excitement of new growth, is the opportunity to spend time with a loved one.
I personally learned many lessons while working alongside my parents. It seemed to be easier to talk about the tough stuff in life when "doing" something while in conversation. You know, like when you are driving and your son/daughter asks you a question that before you respond to them, you say, "Thank you God that I'm driving." because you can't make eye contact. Yet, regardless of the location of these precious moments, there is one piece that is vital...they must happen.
If our youth don't have adults they can dig deeper with, then how do they know right from wrong, risky versus safe, or learn common sense? The answer is, they'll seek answers from someone else, someone who may not have our child's best interest as a motivation. I'm thankful for our moments and the tough discussions, they molded and guided me to be the woman I am today. Thank you Mom and Dad! Thanks to my aunts and uncles too!
Don't worry so much about getting dirty or planting the seeds incorrectly, just spend time with your kids and plant seeds of truth, love, compassion, hope, encouragement, wisdom, and so many other possible seeds to plant. Then nurture them as they grow, watering them with daily reminders (not nagging) and love. It's up to God to change them and their hearts, we have the simple pleasure of watching the process.
Some of my favorite memories as a child were working in the garden, shop, or outside with my Dad. It's probably one reason I enjoy being outside to pray, write, and prepare for upcoming events. In addition to the excitement of new growth, is the opportunity to spend time with a loved one.
I personally learned many lessons while working alongside my parents. It seemed to be easier to talk about the tough stuff in life when "doing" something while in conversation. You know, like when you are driving and your son/daughter asks you a question that before you respond to them, you say, "Thank you God that I'm driving." because you can't make eye contact. Yet, regardless of the location of these precious moments, there is one piece that is vital...they must happen.
If our youth don't have adults they can dig deeper with, then how do they know right from wrong, risky versus safe, or learn common sense? The answer is, they'll seek answers from someone else, someone who may not have our child's best interest as a motivation. I'm thankful for our moments and the tough discussions, they molded and guided me to be the woman I am today. Thank you Mom and Dad! Thanks to my aunts and uncles too!
Don't worry so much about getting dirty or planting the seeds incorrectly, just spend time with your kids and plant seeds of truth, love, compassion, hope, encouragement, wisdom, and so many other possible seeds to plant. Then nurture them as they grow, watering them with daily reminders (not nagging) and love. It's up to God to change them and their hearts, we have the simple pleasure of watching the process.
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